Niqab Tribe Blog - Interview with the Founder

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu!

We were interviewed by a lovely sister on this blog: www.ssisters.com. By the way, do check out their website. It's really all about sisters!

WHAT PROMPTED THE START OF NIQAB TRIBE BLOG, TWITTER PAGE, ETC.?

The reason I joined Twitter and the reason I’m on Twitter now are totally different. I started off just out of curiosity and it was a personal account. The start of the Niqab Tribe Twitter page was abrupt—that’s the word for it. It all started after I heard a great lecture by an Aalim about the Niqab, its importance, and particularly about the Niqab ban in France and how much the sisters there have to endure. After that lecture, I tweeted something about why people can’t deal with modesty and how they can’t force a woman to remove something she wants to wear. Through that tweet, I met a sister from a different country, and we had a long conversation about the Niqab. We then connected with two other sisters and discussed how we could raise awareness about the Niqab and advocate for a woman’s freedom of modesty. Initially, we thought of a Facebook page, but we started a Twitter account. It all happened in less than a few days, Alhamdulillah!

As for the Niqab Tribe blog, that wasn’t our initial idea either. A Muslimah sent us a direct message through our Twitter page saying she’d started a blog and invited us to contribute. Of course we agreed, but then it hit me: Why shouldn’t we start a blog too? We had so much to say about the Niqab, and 140 characters on Twitter wasn’t enough. The blog was created and set up in a matter of hours!

WHAT LED YOU TO WEARING THE NIQAB?

To be frank, nothing led me to wear the Niqab. For me, it was natural—something I felt I had to wear. My mother and sisters already wore it, and I’d loved it since childhood. I’d try on my mother’s Niqab in front of the mirror, and when I finally decided to wear it, my parents agreed. It was that simple! The Niqab has become part of who I am, Alhamdulillah!

ADVICE FOR THOSE TOLD THE NIQAB IS "UNNECESSARY"

“He who clings to my Sunnah when my Ummah is corrupt, will receive the Reward of a hundred Martyrs.” (Mishkat)

Scholars agree the Niqab is Islamic. Even those who say it’s not compulsory acknowledge it’s better to wear it. Reflect on the Sahaba women: when the Hijab verse was revealed, they covered their faces immediately. If the Ummahatul Mu’mineen did it, why shouldn’t we? The Quran is clear:

“And say to the believing women... draw their veils over their bosoms.” (Surah Noor 24:31)

“O Prophet! Tell... the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (Jalabib) all over their bodies.” (Surah Al-Ahzab: 59)

HOW DO YOU SPREAD KNOWLEDGE ABOUT NIQAB?

Through our Niqab Tribe Twitter and blog. If even one sister is inspired, our efforts are rewarded, Alhamdulillah!

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

I’ve been called a “Ninja,” but most respect it. Once, a non-Muslim security officer covered my sister’s ID photo while checking it—subhanallah!

ADVICE FOR SISTERS WITHOUT FAMILY SUPPORT

Make du’a. Let your actions speak. Show your family proof of the Niqab’s importance, and Allah will help you. Patience is key!

PROS AND CONS OF NIQAB

Pros: Peace, security, easier lowering of gaze, and strengthening your relationship with Allah.
Cons: Ice cream gets messy under the Niqab! 😊

PARTING WORDS

“The life of this world is only a passing enjoyment, but the Hereafter is the eternal abode.” (Quran 40:39)

This is a reminder to myself first: prioritize Allah’s pleasure over people’s opinions. May He guide us all!

Interview conducted by SISTERS Magazine. May Allah reward their efforts. Ameen.

Author: Alisya Shabazz for NiqabTribe and SSisters Blog